Vanworks' "Switchback" Camper Van Is a High-End Tiny Home That Makes Van Life Worry-Free

Vanworks is a Fort Collins, Colorado-based company specializing in, as it describes, "building exceptional camper vans that cater to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles." Vanworks offers three unique layouts: Basecamp Plus, Switchback, and Greyrock, complemented by various exterior mods, interior and flooring options, and more.

This company is RVIA-certified for the three most popular vans for conversions: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Ford Transit, and the Ram ProMaster. The camper van I'm checking out today boasts a Switchback conversion and is based on the 2024 Ford Transit Trail 148".

In case you're unfamiliar with the Transit Trail, let me sum up what it's all about. Last year, Ford made a clever move by releasing the Transit Trail as a van that caters to van lifers and adventurers. Long story short, it's an adventure-ready version of the Transit.

Notable modifications of the Transit Trail include a 3.5-inch increase in ride height compared to the standard model, 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, running board, splash guards, and more. Furthermore, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine powers the rig, outputting 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. (542 Nm) of torque.

However, after all, the Transit Trail is still a platform you have to build on, and an excellent one at that. So, Vanworks took this base vehicle and transformed it into a capable and cozy mobile home. As usual, I'll start the tour with the van's exterior.

This rig rides on black wheels wrapped in 30.5-inch all-terrain tires. You'll notice the stock features I mentioned earlier, as well as wheel well claddings and a skid-plate style front bumper with a winch. The Switchback model also comes with a manual awning, rear bunk windows, and a driver's side sliding window. At the rear, Vanworks installed a ladder/ spare tire carrier on one side and a carrier panel on the other.

Slide the main door open, and you'll discover a finely designed interior. Vanworks opted for a darker aesthetic by blending a bamboo ceiling with grey Interweave walls. What's more, the cabinetry follows the same theme, combining bamboo wood tones with black details. The look is completed by marine-grade vinyl flooring.

The living space feels uncluttered and open, especially since the driver's cabin isn't separated from the rest of the interior. Furthermore, both the driver's and passenger's seats can be swiveled.

Dead ahead as you enter, you'll notice the kitchen. It features a deep stainless steel sink with a bamboo cutting board, a slide-out induction stove, and a small fridge/freezer. What's more, the cabinet underneath the sink is partly occupied by a 20-gallon (76-liter) greywater tank. For storage, you can use two overhead cabinets, an overhead shelf, and shelves underneath the countertop.

Almost half of the entrance is taken up by a bench seat with a Lagun table mount. It's the perfect pot to enjoy a meal or work on your laptop. Moreover, you'll find the rig's control panel on the wall behind the seat. It consists of a Maxxair fan remote, a power system display, light switches, and controls for an Espar heater.

Vanworks kept the customer's safety in mind while designing this camper van. So, the company equipped the rig with a fire extinguisher, a carbon monoxide detector, and a smoke detector.

The bedroom takes up the final part of the interior. In a camper van this compact, it's ideal not to have a fixed bed in order to create more walking room. And that's exactly what Vanworks did with this bedroom. It features a three-panel bed system. In the "day mode," you can stack these panels on top of each other to have more space.

When you're ready for bed, you just have to put the panels back on their supporting frame, add the mattress and top, and you have a ready-to-go queen-size bed. Other notable bedroom features are two overhead cabinets, reading lights, and two wall-mounted storage bags.

The space underneath the bed is used as a garage. There's a bunch of room in the middle to store bulkier items, while the sides are occupied by boxes housing the rig's utility systems. On the left side, you'll discover a cabinet with two shelves, a 20-gallon freshwater tank, and an outdoor shower.

On the opposite side, Vanworks fitted the electrical system. It's a GoalZero Yeti Pro 4000 portable power station with a 3,600 W inverter and 330 Ah battery power. Like most premium camper vans, this rig can be charged in three ways: shore power, via the vehicle's alternator, or through the 100 W solar panels on the roof.

All in all, Vanworks' mobile home boasts high-end features, a flexible and efficient layout, and a striking aesthetic. You might be wondering how much this all cost.

Well, a new Switchback conversion based on the Transit Trail starts at $131,300, but the price can quickly increase if you go for any accessories. However, Vanworks also offers the option of buying pre-built vans, such as this specific Transit Trail I've discussed today.

The company shared that this unit's MSRP is $186,750 (€175,022), but it's discounted to $146,900 (€137,675). You can learn more about this conversion or other Vanworks creations on the company's website.